Otis tarda (great bustard)

Its large size, striking plumage and spectacular displays make the great bustard one of the world’s most impressive birds.

However, its future is uncertain as its widespread, fragmented populations decline rapidly under the impact of global agricultural expansion and intensification.

This bird was once commonplace in the UK, but became extinct in Britain in the 1830s. A unique conservation project is currently underway to reintroduce this great bird to Wiltshire in southern England.

About the author

A word from the author

"Great bustard is arguably the most charismatic bird that ever walked Britain’s green and pleasant land. ‘Our’ great bustards were sadly driven to extinction, and the species is by no means secure elsewhere. But the great bustard may be coming back - in 2009, the first wild chicks in Britain for over 175 years successfully hatched and fledged in Wiltshire."